Mr Kamal Salau-Bashua, former Chairman of Lagos Island East LCDA, stated that former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar does not pose a significant threat to President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
Salau-Bashua, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, made this statement during an interview in Lagos on Thursday.
He emphasised that the electorate will ultimately determine the outcome of the 2027 presidential election through their votes.
He noted that democracy allows Nigerians to choose their preferred candidates freely.
“Atiku Abubakar is entitled to contest the presidential election like any other qualified Nigerian, but I do not consider his ambition a major threat to President Tinubu.
“Ultimately, the people will decide who governs them through the ballot box, and I believe Nigerians will base their choice on their assessment of the current administration’s performance,” he said. He added that political parties and candidates should focus on presenting convincing programmes and engaging the electorate, rather than relying on political calculations, mergers, or assumptions of victory.
“An election is not won merely through political declarations or the popularity of a candidate. “It requires public support, effective mobilisation, and a clear understanding of voters’ expectations,” he said.
He stated that the Tinubu administration should have the opportunity to communicate its policies, achievements, and ongoing reforms to Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections. He urged Nigerians to assess the administration objectively, especially its efforts in economic recovery, infrastructure development, and national growth. Every administration faces challenges, but Nigerians should also consider the long-term objectives of government policies and ongoing efforts to address the country’s difficulties.
“It is important for political leaders to engage constructively with the people and provide practical solutions to national challenges,” he said. Lau-Salau-Bashua expressed confidence that the electorate will exercise their constitutional rights responsibly during the 2027 general elections. He also called on political parties, supporters, and stakeholders to embrace issue-based campaigns, peaceful engagement, and respect for the electoral process. The chieftain said the credibility of the election will depend largely on political actors’ willingness to respect the people’s mandate and allow the ballot to determine the outcome. We must therefore encourage peaceful participation, political tolerance and respect for the choice of the electorate,” he said.
